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I like to know what risks I face, what risk my family, my community or my country faces. I want to know whether some terrorist act or natural disaster will wipe us out, and I want to avoid it. Looking at this objectively I happy to confirm that the above two issues won’t likely lead to my extinction and that is good news. There is however something that does scare me and poses a risk to my continued habitation of the lovely blue globe I call home.

Climate change poses the greatest existential risk that humans face. This is not something that I sucked out of my thumb, this is the most scientifically supported admission to date. There is empirical data to support almost every climate change occurrence, whether glacial loss, soil degradation, increasing ocean temperatures or loss of species habitat. Wherever you look you will find evidence of climate change. The challenge for us is to find ways to address these issues and risks.
Get involved now: Whether you support renewable energy, run training courses, do field work or join the Climate Realty Project (www.climatereality.com), I encourage you to get involved in fighting climate change. Do it now before it’s too late

I underwent a transformation. Somewhere around 2014 or 2015 I morphed into something different. I was always vocal and excitable, but now I am vocal and active. I refuse to sit on the sidelines and wait for change, I want to make change happen. I refuse to wait for someone else to take a stand, why should I? when I can act now. I can talk, I can write, I can call-in, I can protest, demonstrate and can change my vote!

One of the most difficult tasks that I have engaged in over the past 18 months is finding the finance/funding for my business. I have submitted applications to banks, to investors and to individuals. No luck yet. I am not naive and I had to ask myself a simple question: If so many people say “NO” than I must have a crappy product, or I must be useless at pitching it or I must be delusional. All these ideas did cross my mind, and yet I still continue in my pursuit, surely I must be mad, insane, off my rockers, or am I?

The reality is that I have just spoken to the wrong people! I have to and I will find the right investor or supporter. Why am I so confident? It’s really simple, I think that the people or organisations that I approached just don’t get it! I am not being unrealistic, simplistic or or even naive, just read my pitch below and see if I am right (or mad).

South Africa is struggling to meet its energy needs. The national grid has less than 2% reserve, that is capacity over demand, the norm is 10%. Our country is one of the top 10 polluters in terms of green house gas emissions, mostly due to energy production from coal. The government is on record for saying that we will reduce our CO2 emissions by 30% (President Zuma speaking at COP16 Denmark). The govt is committed to renewable energy to reduce reliance on coal and to reduce GHGs. There is state support in the form of subsidies and rebates for green/energy saving products.We all have to find ways top reduce our energy consumption. Additionally, energy is getting very expensive in South Africa. The price has doubled in the last 5 years and is set to double over the the next decade again. Energy efficiency requirements for new buildings is now written into the building code via new legislation already passed. Energy efficiency, and renewable energy is going to be a huge opportunity

Elevator pitch: I want to expand the heat pump market in South Africa by selling 1000 units per year. This is an energy saving device that saves up to 35% of the energy bill of households. This product will save consumers and businesses money, it will cut energy consumption and reduce green house gas emissions (reduce your carbon foot-print). I also want to sell solar systems to people who are currently energy poor/off-the grid so to speak. South Africa has one of the highest solar resources (solar radiation or insolation) in the world. This is a free energy source and it is a travesty that we still have people who don’t have access to electricity in South Africa and surrounding regions.

I believe that this is an opportunity that is worth pursuing and this is exactly what I am doing. I need an initial R1 million rand (around $120 000) to do this. Call me on +27 82 332 8791 or email me on sunny(at)zerocarbon.co.za to discuss or fund or invest in this opportunity.

Note: I have listened to all the constructive input from the various parties/banks/funders and I have incorporated relevant enhancements into the business proposal. So I am listening and thus not ignoring the contributions of said people. (Just in case someone accuses me of arrogance or inflexibility)

If it’s true that small businesses account for a significant portion of job creation and contribution to the economy then why is it so difficult to start a small business in South Africa?

The red tape, the myriad of forms, licenses and application is such a daunting task that one could easily give up if one as without a certain amount of tenacity.

It seems as if officialdom is totally opposed to assisting small businesses to get started. It seems as if they consider small business somewhat of an irritation rather than as a boon to job creation and economic freedom.

A more small business friendly approach is not difficult to adopt. With some creative thinking a fast track system could easily be implemented using online systems, the Internet and virtual offices.

If it’s true that small businesses account for a significant portion of job creation and contribution to the economy then why is it so difficult to start a small business in South Africa?

The red tape, the myriad of forms, licenses and application is such a daunting task that one could easily give up if one as without a certain amount of tenacity.

It seems as if officialdom is totally opposed to assisting small businesses to get started. It seems as if they consider small business somewhat of an irritation rather than as a boon to job creation and economic freedom.

A more small business friendly approach is not difficult to adopt. With some creative thinking a fast track system could easily be implemented using online systems, the Internet and virtual offices.

After a sabbatical of sorts I am back. Since I last posted I have been busy with some exciting things. In the interim I got retrenched from my job, started two new businesses, completed a course on strategy and started another one. I’ve been busy! Whats to love about South Africa, simple, there are always opportunities to better yourself, improve the quality of your life, help others, do new things, and start over! I love this place.

Today, Jan 25 marks the one year anniversary of the People’s Revolution in Egypt. Tens of thousands across the country marched and many flocked to Tahrir Square to show solidarity for the cause. I am sure that a year ago many of those in the square that day must have dreamt of a NEW EGYPT!. Now a full year later they chant a familiar refrain “Down with the military”. The struggle of the people is not over and democracy has not yet shown her face, yet a eager people still hope!

GOALS FOR 2012

Aspect

Goals

Activities

Timelines

progress

SPIRITUAL AND CHURCH

HEALTH

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

FINANCES AND WEALTH

VOCATION & BUSINESS

PERSONAL GROWTH

SOCIAL IMPACT

MATERIAL POSSESSIONS

This is a template for a goal matrix. The first column lists the ASPECT that you want to concentrate on. The next column is the actual GOAL, this must follow the SMART convention, it must be specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and finally it must be time-based. If you goal does not meet this criteria, then it is more of a statement and less of a goal. The third column is the ACTIVITIES, this is where you would list the actual action that you will need to take to achieve your goals, and the column marked TIMELINES is the time that you will allocate to these activities. If for example the ASPECT is HEALTH, then you may choose a goal of losing 5kg in body weight over six months. The activities could then be to attend gym 3 times a week or walk 2 km very day. The time-lines allocated to this activity could be 2 or 3 time s a week, or even daily, and then you would allocate an end date, say 6 months. The progress column is self-explanatory; suffice to say you must monitor progress regularly